Jeanfield striker Dayle Robertson delighted with season start after previously fearing he may never return from injury

At one point Jeanfield Swifts forward Dayle Robertson was not sure he would ever get back to playing the beautiful game.

But perseverance has paid off and now, fighting fit following torn patella tendon injury pain, he is determined to make up for lost time.

Robertson is feeling sharper with every passing week and netted in Saturday’s 3-1 Premier Division win away at Dunbar United.

He had also found the back of the net last midweek against Edinburgh South in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

That has made for a productive start to the season, both personally and for the team.

“It’s been great to be back playing games again and, even better, back scoring,” Robertson told the PA. “I judge my performance on scoring goals.

“To be honest, last midweek against Edinburgh South I thought it was never coming, but to score right at the end was a huge lift.

“Then on Saturday to come off the bench and score again was amazing. My celebration last Tuesday when I scored probably reflected exactly how much it meant - and the relief.”

The journey back to first team football had not always been a smooth one for the former Arbroath striker.

“The first spell of being out probably came at an okay time for me,” he admitted. “Ruby, my daughter, was just born and it meant I could spend a bit more time at home.

“I didn’t want to be injured but it took my mind away from it.

“However, the latter part of my injury, from probably September last year, was a struggle at times. I just didn’t see an end goal.

“I was constantly trying different things and different physios. At times, I didn’t think I’d be back playing.

“So now I’m just delighted to be involved, and week by week I’m getting fitter and sharper and looking forward to seeing where this